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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jan. 11, 1999
99-006
Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610YAKIMA - An Ellensburg landowner has been fined $15,500 for burning thousands of tires over a three-day period last year near Kittitas.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued the penalty to Mike Alberg for an illegal fire that burned an estimated 6,000 automobile tires between Jan. 14-16, 1998. Ecology's regional office in Yakima investigated the fire at the request of Kittitas County authorities.
According to state law, only natural vegetation can be burned in an outdoor fire.
"Mr. Alberg's fire produced thousands of pounds of toxic pollutants that ultimately can harm humans and damage the environment," said Donna Smith, with Ecology's air program in Yakima. "Burning illegal materials such as tires is a serious violation."
Smith noted citizens with more than 800 tires on their property must have a solid-waste permit from their local health districts. However, even small tire piles need attention to prevent inherent problems, including fires.
"Tire fires are difficult to extinguish, they emit toxic compounds and they can be dangerous to fire service personnel who are called upon to respond," said Smith. "Proper disposal is the key to preventing these fires."
Tires may be disposed for a fee by taking them to the Kittitas County solid-waste transfer stations located in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Local solid-waste officials also may be consulted to determine how to properly dispose of tires.
In addition to the fine, Alberg is required to take reasonable precautions to assure the considerable volume of ash created by the fire does not leach into ground or surface waters or become airborne. The penalty follows a notice of violation that was issued to Alberg last February. Alberg may appeal the penalty.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
